Submitted by editor on
Vérification Incendie
published on 09/01/2026

Is it possible to maintain fire extinguishers yourself?

Technical maintenance of fire extinguishers is not something you can do yourself. While simple visual checks, such as checking the pressure indicator or the general condition of the extinguisher, can be carried out in-house, more complex operations (recharging, internal tests, replacement of parts) require the intervention of a qualified professional. This guarantees the safety and efficiency of the equipment in the event of fire.

What do French regulations say?

In France, extinguisher maintenance is governed by strict standards, such as NF S 61-919 and the decree of May 20, 1963. These texts specify that technical maintenance must be carried out by specialized, qualified personnel. This ensures that extinguishers comply with current standards and are ready for use when needed.
To find out more about the legal requirements for extinguisher maintenance, see our article: Is extinguisher maintenance compulsory?

Why call in a professional?

Hiring a certified professional is essential for a number of reasons:
Compliance with legal obligations: NF-compliant maintenance ensures that extinguishers are in order for inspections and audits.
Optimum safety: A functional extinguisher is crucial to protecting building occupants in the event of a fire.

Traceability of interventions: Each intervention is the subject of a detailed report, proving the conformity of the equipment.

.

The risks of non-compliant maintenance

If an extinguisher is poorly maintained or non-compliant, several risks exist:
Legal liability: The owner or manager can be held liable in the event of a claim if maintenance has not been carried out by a professional.

Insurance refusal: Non-compliant maintenance can lead to refusal of reimbursement in the event of fire-related damage.

.

Why choose Scutum Incendie to maintain your extinguishers?

At Scutum Incendie, we understand the importance of functional, standards-compliant safety equipment. That's why we put a team of qualified professionals at your disposal to carry out the maintenance of your fire extinguishers, in full compliance with current regulations.
In summary, although some simple checks can be carried out by the owner or manager, the technical maintenance of fire extinguishers must be carried out by a qualified professional. This ensures compliance with standards, the safety of occupants and the effectiveness of the equipment in the event of an emergency.